Land use and zoning laws are the state and local regulations that govern what you can build, how you can build it and what that property can be used for. Land use and zoning laws will vary from city to city, county to county and state to state and apply to both residential and commercial property. For example, in a residential neighborhood of single family homes you wouldn't want a skyscraper built next door. A land use and zoning attorney will resolve permitting issues, navigate land use ordinances, form real estate development contracts and litigate disputes.